Biology
Biology
12th Edition
ISBN: 9780134813448
Author: Audesirk, Teresa, Gerald, Byers, Bruce E.
Publisher: Pearson,
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Chapter 39, Problem 1MC
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

A neuron is a specialized cell that carries electrical impulses. Neurons are called as the basic units of the nervous system that plays important role in brain. Neuron is made up of some important structure such as dendrites, axon and nerve fiber. These structures help neuron in transmitting and receiving the electrical signals.

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Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

A change in the voltage across a neuron’s plasma membrane that makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential is an inhibitory postsynaptic potential. Therefore, option (c) is correct.

Option (c) is given as “an inhibitory postsynaptic potential”.

Explanation of Solution

Justify reason for the correct statement:

Whenever the voltage across a neuron’s plasma membrane change, it will make neuron less active. So, it will not fire an action potential, no signal transmission will occur. In this the neuron will become more negative; it is called as inhibitory postsynaptic potential.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Justify reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as “a change that makes the resting potential less negative”.

Resting potential occur whenever there is an imbalance of electrical charge that exists between the interior of electrically excitable neuron. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given as “an excitatory postsynaptic potential”.

In an excitatory postsynaptic potential makes the postsynaptic neuron to fire an action potential. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as “a change that lowers the threshold”.

Threshold potential is a membrane potential. It occurs due to increase and decrease of sodium and potassium ions. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Whenever the voltage across the neuron changes then the postsynaptic neuron will become less active and it will result in inhibitory postsynaptic potential.

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Students have asked these similar questions
Post synaptic neurons membrane potentials are less negative than resting membrane potentials when this occur A. Creates a new set point for the resting membrane potential B. Has a lower propensity to produce an action potential C. Reacts by generating action potential D. Higher chance of reaching the potential threshold
Action potential conduction velocity is more rapid in a myelinated axon than an unmyelinated one because in a myelinated axon:     a. the action potential travels as a continuous wave.   b. there is a decrease in membrane resistance.   c. the action potential jumps along the axon.   d. there is an increase in membrane capacitance.     e. there is an increase in the ion gradients.
Which of the following is NOT an example of communication that happens from one neuron to another neuron? A. Endocrine signaling (ex. hormones secreted into the blood stream travel and bind to receptors on dstant cells). B. Retrograde neurotransmission (ex.the dendrite releases a neuroactive substance that binds to receptors on the axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron). C. Electrical communication via propagation of action potential from one node of ranvier to the next node of ranvier. D. Volume transmission (ex. neuropeptides diffuse away from the synapse and bind to receptors on adjacent cells) E. Electrical communication through gap junctions.
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